When you buy a new vehicle, the last thing you want is to end up with a lemon that continuously breaks down on you. Unfortunately, the careless buyer will be more likely to do so if they don’t take the proper preventative measures. Although the Texas Lemon Law statute provides potential relief for those who purchase defective vehicles, there are strict rules that must be followed to qualify.
Before you purchase a new car, make sure you perform your due diligence to reduce the likelihood of a lemon falling into your lap. Drivers in the State of Texas are responsible for hundreds of lemon law claims every year, and you could become one of them if you don’t follow these tips.
1. Do Your Research
Let’s face it, some models are more likely to be defective than others. For example, automobiles manufactured by Chevrolet, Ford, and Jeep made up nearly one-third of all lemon law complaints in 2018. One of the best ways to avoid a lemon is to use caution when considering automobile manufacturers with previous repair issues. There are numerous resources online to see which vehicles have active lemon law claims as well as forums dedicated specifically to this topic.
2. Know Your Rights
The purpose of the Texas Lemon Law is to protect consumers, but it’s also designed to mitigate false claims by imposing a strict “reasonable repair attempts” rule. In order to successfully submit a lemon law complaint, you will have to pass the Four Times Test, the Serious Safety Hazard Test, or the 30 Day Test within the statute of limitations, typically two years or 24,000 miles. Read up on lemon law cases in Texas to learn more about how you can protect yourself. If your new vehicle turns out to be defective, consult a Texas Lemon Law attorney.
3. Keep Records
Every driver should create and maintain a logbook containing important documents, repair dates, and notes on conversations with the manufacturer, dealer, and any service technicians that have handled your vehicle. Repair invoices are vital to supporting your claim, and having accurate information regarding the time your vehicle was inoperable can bolster your case. If you are worried that you might lose track of your documents, make copies and keep a separate file outside of your vehicle.
4. Take Care of Your Car
When you suspect that there are problems with your car, it’s imperative that you do everything you can to ensure that you don’t throw oil on the fire by mistreating your vehicle. Excess issues derived from improper or illegal use of your vehicle could compromise your case against the manufacturer. When the time comes to present your case, you want to be able to clearly identify the defect affecting your vehicle without a reasonable doubt.
5. Call a Texas Lemon Law Attorney
Is your car spending more and more time with the mechanic? Consult an attorney who has experience dealing with lemon law cases in Texas to learn what you can do to protect your lemon law rights. An attorney can help guide you through the complex Texas Lemon Law statute to determine whether or not you qualify for potential relief.
If you would like to speak with an experienced attorney who handles lemon law cases in Texas, please submit our free case evaluation form today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.